Soprano from Upper Basildon wins Has Reading Got Talent?

A "captivating" performance by an 18-year-old soprano won the day at Has Reading Got Talent? at the Hexagon today.

Stephanie Hershaw, from Upper Basildon, delighted the judges to come first in the finals.

One of the judges Tiffany King of Theatretrain described the performance as "captivating" and a "beautiful vocal".

Another judge Danyl Johnson, X Factor finalist, said the performance was "lovely", praising her for introducing opera to many members of the audience who would not have experienced it before.

He said: "You are on stage because you deserve to be there."

Miss Hershaw, who studied at The Abbey School in Reading and is going on to the Royal Welsh College of Music, said she did not know what she was going to do with her £1,000 prize money, although she said she owed it to her sister that she was there.

She said: "I really can't believe it. It is amazing."

Dance group Urban Stylez gained second place and singer/songwriter and rapper Danny Taylor came third.

The other seven finalists were the O'Gara School of Dancing, Tayo Oyekan, Vicki Sayers, Maia Hawkins, Kitty Mazinsky, First Edition and Cat Mitchell.

All the finalists take to the stage at The Hexagon

12-year-old Tayo won a recording session and Maia Hawkins, 13, won a Theatretrain course.

The judges were Tiffany King, Danyl Johnson, former Superstar contestant Nathan James, Hilary Scott from the Reading Post and getreading and Sir John Madejski and they were joined for the finals by sponsors from TK Travel Tony Floyd and Katie Gripton.

Danyl Johnson said of the judging "It was so tough."

Nathan James described the finals as "incredible" and he thanked all 25 Has Reading Got Talent? performers who took to the stage today.

He said: "I know it is very cheesy but it makes me proud to be from here."